Mitsubishi Pajero 2007 car review

Tour of heavy duty

Not even the threat of an impending Lahar could deter the new Pajero from crossing the very woolly terrain around the New Zealand Army training grounds in Waiuru, during the vehicle's launch earlier this month.

The competency of Mitsubishi's loyal foot soldier was reiterated with ease as this, the fourth generation model traversed the grim landscape - rarely tread by civilians - without hitch. The deep volcanic sand and jagged conditions far exceeding what most purchasers would put their shiny new SUV through, but nonetheless deftly dealt to by the Pajero, which benefits from technologies honed by Mitsi's twelve overall and seven consecutive wins in the punishing Paris-Dakar endurance rally.

As with previous Pajero's both short and long wheelbase variants are offered, but with the long wheelbase historically the most popular, Mitsubishi New Zealand will only stock the later. Short wheelbase versions must be ordered specifically.

Both feature new squared off looks, the redesigned grille, bumper and headlamps up front give a muscular appearance, while round back the rear door incorporates the spare tyre but it sits low enough so its not obstructive to rear visibility - something SUV's have received much criticism for recently. Privacy glass and roof rails are also stylish and practical features, as well as practical standard on all models.

The low front overhang ensures a good 36.6 degrees of approach angle, departure angle is a low 25 degrees however on the long-wheelbase making the short-wheel base the more manoeuvrable of the two off-road with 34.8 degrees of departure. Be it crossing lahar country or taking the Pajero for a dip at the boat ramp, a 30 percent gain in rustproofing will come as a welcomed inclusion over previous models.

Eight different variants make up the range; the short wheelbase is available in GLS or VR-X spec, while the long-wheelbase comes with the option of either GLS or Exceed. Additionally two power plants are available across the board, a petrol 3.8 litre V6 developing 184kW @ 6000 rpm and 329Nm of torque @ 2750 rpm, and a new generation Euro 4 compliant common rail turbo diesel with 127kW @ 3800 rpm and 364Nm @ 2000 rpm.

GLS misses out on some glitzy trimmings but looks far from Billy basic, with a modernistic multi info display (incorporating air temperature, trip computer audio information clock and compass) and automatic climate control.

The GLS is well equipped where it matters most, and doesn't scrimp on drive train and 4WD options or safety. Traction Control, Stability Control, Brake Assist, rear diff lock, six airbags, ISOFIX child restraints, cruise control on the steering wheel and alarm also add to the value for money equation on the base model.

Not to be outdone by its school run rivals, all long wheelbase Pajeros include a third seating row to accommodate a full platoon of kiddies, alternatively delivers over 1700 litres of luggage capacity with the second and third rows folded.

VR-X versions pick up High Intesity Discharge headlamps, aluminium pedals, fog lamps, power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seating, Rockford Fosgate audio with 6-disc in dash changer, 18-inch alloys (over the GLS' 16 inchers), reversing sensors and leather upholstery.

The range topping Exceed ditches its Army fatigues for a full dress uniform complete with electric sunroof, electrically adjustable passenger seating, rear A/C controls and the premium Rockford sound system with an arsenal of 12 speakers including a booming subwoofer.

During the launch only the long-wheelbase diesel was available for evaluation, sharing the power unit with the Triton workhorse, the Gen IV is the first Pajero to utilise common rail technology and exhibits a vast improvement in refinement over previous Pajero offerings. The high torque output enables a hefty towing weight of 3300kg braked (Short wheelbase 2800kg braked) though to the petrol V6's credit it too matches the torquier diesel's towing ability.

A 23 percent increase in power is demonstrated by the new V6 over its predecessor, the improved performance thanks in part to greater control over the cam timing with Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing, and a variable intake manifold. The more efficient engines both comply with strict Euro IV emissions targets and both are paired to a new five-speed transmission with sequential manual mode.

Fuel consumption for the diesel in seven-seat, long wheelbase configuration is 10.6 L/100km; the petrol equivalent returns 13.5 L/100km.

With a sturdy ladder chassis for rigidity off road, don't expect the weighty Pajero to be as fleet footed or nimble as the smaller SUV's on the market. This is no soft-roader and unless you have a genuine need for the Mitsubishi's size and robustness, the reduced agility will come as an unnecessary compromise.

If you intend on battling the elements though you could do worse than having the new Pajero in the proverbial foxhole with you. Seriously sturdy underpinnings, gutsy pulling power and well-equipped and roomy quarters, there's no doubt it has what it take to become an Action man's weapon of choice.

The arsenal: